Board of Directors

CHIEF COUNSEL & VP OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS: ROCKFORD CONSTRUCTION

As Chief Counsel of Rockford Construction, Melissa manages Rockford’s legal needs, strategic planning, business development, and community involvement. With more than 25 years of experience in real estate and development, Melissa offers a diverse suite of experience.

CPA AND PARTNER: VANDER PLOEG, BERGAKKER & ASSOCIATES

Steve has worked in public accounting for over 17 years. He works with clients in construction, real estate, nonprofit, and manufacturing industries by providing partnership/corporate tax assistance, audit/assurance services, performance evaluation, and proforma preparation.

PRESIDENT AND CEO: DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS INC.

Tim has been with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. since 2013. In that time, he has managed several key capital projects and planning efforts including the first update to the Downtown Master Plan in more than 20 years. Prior to working in Grand Rapids, he served as a development analyst and project manager in Long Beach, California.

BOARD CHAIR, REGIONAL GENERAL MANAGER: ASM GLOBAL

Richard MacKeigan joined ASM Global as General Manager of the Van Andel Arena, DeVos Performance Hall, and DeVos Place, and serves as the Executive Director for the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority. Rich has built relationships with promoters, managers, and artists in an effort to increase bookings and provide a superior customer experience.

DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES AT ORTHOPAEDIC ASSOCIATES OF MUSKEGON

Miletich specializes in strategically aligning human resource functions with business priorities. With more than 15 years of leadership experience, 7 of which in nonprofits, her expertise includes strategic planning, governance, performance management, talent acquisition and development, and more.

BOARD VICE CHAIR, RELATIONSHIP MANAGER: RDV CORPORATION

At RDV Corporation, Laina is responsible for advising clients on investment and financial matters to help them meet their goals and objectives, and for coordinating financial services to provide a seamless delivery of client experiences.

CO-DIRECTOR: START GARDEN

Mike has spent the last decade working to make Grand Rapids a great place for anyone to launch a new business. He has worked to form a cohesive blend of public/private platforms to reinvigorate a historic culture of entrepreneurship. A seasoned business strategist, Mike serves as Co-Director of Start Garden, a public/private facilitator of start-up initiatives in Grand Rapids.

PRESIDENT AND CEO: GERALD R. FORD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY

With more than 30 years of experience in the aviation industry, Tory Richardson, A.A.E., is the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority’s president and CEO, overseeing all functions of Michigan’s second-busiest airport. He is responsible for developing and implementing the strategic vision, including long-term plans for future development and other initiatives.

PRESIDENT AND CEO: PIONEER CONSTRUCTION

Tim and his wife moved from East Lansing to Grand Rapids where he started working at the family business, Pioneer Construction. In May 2005, he and his wife became the owners of Pioneer and Tim currently serves as the President and CEO. Tim has served on numerous community boards and committees and enjoys growing successful businesses and relationships.

PROFESSOR HOSPITALITY & TOURISM MANAGEMENT, COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY INNOVATION

Dr. Paul Stansbie is a Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management in Grand Valley State University’s (GVSU) School of Leadership and Community Development. He joined GVSU from England in 2003 where he had spent 9 years working as a senior lecturer. Paul serves on a number of committees and community boards within the Grand Rapids area.

BUSINESS MANAGER PRIVATE LABEL : SHANKMAN AND ASSOCIATES

As a self-proclaimed retail brat, LaChaun has worked over 20+ years in the corporate offices of Kmart, May Company, Wolverine Worldwide, and Meijer. Her passion and expertise lie in product development, creating products and brands that fulfill a consumer need, as well as entrepreneurial development.

PRESIDENT: AHC HOSPITALITY

As President of AHC Hospitality (AHC), Rick Winn is the driving force behind the growing management company headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He leads the growth, management and development of the brand, which specializes in customized hospitality solutions for a portfolio of major hotel and restaurant brands.